Optus Topples Telstra For Best Mobile Network

For the first time in four years, Optus has toppled Telstra and nabbed the position of Australia’s best mobile network operator according to P3 Connect’s Mobile Benchmark test.

P3’s benchmark test compares the performance of Australia’s top three mobile network operators, based on the quality of voice and data services.

In addition to nabbing the top position, Optus was awarded the most improved network for the year, ranking in first position for voice services, whilst significantly improving its data quality – an overall ranking of 887.

This is reportedly the first time Optus has nabbed the top spot, attributed to strong improvements in regional areas.

Last year, Telstra scored 884 [out of 1000].

Telstra has kept its position as the nation’s top network for data services.

Vodafone came in at third place, with an overall score of 817.

Reports reveal that for the majority of measures, Optus and Telstra’s scores were very close.

Vodafone reportedly fell behind in areas such as video playback during various road tests.

“The best-in-test result reflects our particular focus on improving our regional service following our $1 billion investment commitment to regional Australia in July this year”

“Ultimately, P3 is a globally recognised, independent authority on mobile network testing. We have supported the findings since 2014, regardless of our ranking but are pleased to be Best in Test this year”.

Following the results, Telstra has affirmed that the telco did not participate in the survey, and has previously not marketed its wins due to “shortcomings in the methodology”:

“Telstra and our vendors did not pay P3 to help optimise our network performance in preparation for their survey, as to do so we believe is not conducive to a transparent and independent outcome, the spokesman said.

“P3 also encourage carriers to market their wins in the survey, but despite having won the survey for the previous three years, we have consistently pointed out shortcomings in the methodology and chosen not to pay to use these wins in market”.